    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [October 20, 2004]
    [Pages 2630-2631]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004
    October 20, 2004

        The Belarus Democracy Act of 2004, which I signed into law earlier
    today, will help the cause of freedom in Belarus. This bipartisan
    legislation demonstrates America's deep concern over events in Belarus
    and a commitment to sustain those Belarusians who must labor in the
    shadows to return freedom to their country.
        At a time when freedom is advancing around the world, Aleksandr
    Lukashenka and his Government are
    turning Belarus into a regime of repression in the heart of Europe, its
    Government isolated from its neighbors and its people isolated from each
    other. We will work with our allies and partners to assist those seeking
    to return Belarus to its rightful place among

    [[Page 2631]]

    the Euro-Atlantic community of democracies. There is no place in a
    Europe whole and free for a regime of this kind.
        On October 17, Mr. Lukashenka
    claimed victory for referendum results that swept away constitutional
    limits on his term in office. The referendum campaign and concurrent
    Parliamentary elections were conducted in a climate of abuse and fear.
    OSCE and other observers have determined that this victory was achieved
    by fraudulent means.
        These actions are the latest in a series of measures designed to
    stifle independent voices within Belarus. Since 2001, Belarusian
    authorities have systematically repressed independent media, trade
    unions, civic organizations, and religious congregations. The
    Lukashenka regime has repeatedly
    responded to the peaceful expression of opposition with beatings,
    arrests and, in a number of cases, the disappearance of opposition
    leaders.
        The Belarus Democracy Act will help us support those within Belarus
    who are working toward democracy. We welcome this legislation as a means
    to bolster friends of freedom and to nurture the growth of democratic
    values, habits, and institutions within Belarus. The fate of Belarus
    will rest not with a dictator, but with the students, trade unionists,
    civic and religious leaders, journalists, and all citizens of Belarus
    claiming freedom for their nation.

    Note: H.R. 854, approved October 20, was assigned Public Law No. 108-
    347.